Small, Medium, and Large Data Sets

A working set refers to the data actually pulled
into memory so that the server can respond to client applications. The data set is then the entries in the directory that are being used
due to client traffic. The data set may include every entry in the directory,
or may be composed of some smaller number of entries, such as entries corresponding
to people in a time zone where users are active.

We define three data set sizes, based on how much of the directory data
set fits into available physical memory:

Small

The data set fits entirely into physical memory with fully-loaded
database and entry caches.

Medium

The data set fits in physical memory, and extra physical memory
can be dedicated to entry cache.

Large

The data set is too small to fit completely in available physical
memory.

The ideal case is of course the small data set. If your data set is
small, set database cache size and entry cache size such that all entries
fit in both the database cache and the entry cache.

The following sections provide recommendations for medium and large
data sets where the server performs either all searches or all modify operations.